Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens resigned Tuesday after pleading guilty to a federal conspiracy charge tied to a sweeping public corruption investigation that has rocked Mississippi’s capital city and ensnared multiple current and former public officials.
Owens entered his guilty plea Monday in U.S. District Court in Jackson, abandoning his earlier not guilty plea just weeks before he was scheduled to stand trial alongside former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former City Council President Aaron Banks.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Owens accepted at least $115,000 in cash and promises of future financial benefits in exchange for using his position to advance a proposed convention center hotel development in downtown Jackson. The project was part of an FBI undercover sting operation that began in 2022, with agents posing as out-of-state real estate developers seeking political influence.
According to court filings, undercover recordings allegedly captured Owens discussing how public officials could be bribed and how illicit payments could be disguised through businesses and campaign donations. Before his guilty plea, Owens unsuccessfully argued that he had been entrapped by federal investigators, but a judge ruled the case should proceed to trial.
The investigation originally resulted in an October 2024 indictment charging Owens with conspiracy, federal program bribery, wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements. As part of Monday’s plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.
In a Facebook post announcing his resignation, Owens said stepping down was “one of the most difficult decisions” of his life.
“While it hurts beyond measure to step away from a position I love, I believe this decision is what is best for me, my family, and the District Attorney’s Office,” Owens wrote. “Serving as your District Attorney has been the privilege and honor of a lifetime.”
Owens also thanked supporters who had stood by his family throughout the investigation.
“To everyone who has supported, encouraged, and prayed for Michelle, our children, and me over these past two years, thank you.… As we begin this next chapter, I ask only that you continue to keep our family in your prayers.”
The corruption probe has already led to guilty pleas from former Jackson City Council member Angelique Lee and Sherik Marve Smith, a relative of Owens. Meanwhile, former Mayor Lumumba and former Council President Banks have pleaded not guilty and are still expected to stand trial later this month. Lumumba has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has characterized the prosecution as politically motivated.
Owens faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15.
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